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Commentary on Psalms 86 verses 8–17
David is here going on in his prayer.
I. He gives glory to God; for we ought in our prayers to praise him, ascribing kingdom, power, and glory, to him, with the most humble and reverent adorations. 1. As a being of unparalleled perfection, such a one that there is none like him nor any to be compared with him, Psa 86:8. Among the gods, the false gods, whom the heathens worshipped, the angels, the kings of the earth, among them all, there is none like unto thee, O Lord! none so wise, so mighty, so good; neither are there any works like unto thy works, which is an undeniable proof that there is none like him; his own works praise him, and the best way we have of praising him is by acknowledging that there is none like him. 2. As the fountain of all being and the centre of all praise (Psa 86:9): "Thou hast made all nations, made them all of one blood; they all derive their being from thee, and have a constant dependence on thee, and therefore they shall come and worship before thee and glorify thy name." This was in part fulfilled in the multitude of proselytes to the Jewish religion in the days of David and Solomon, but was to have its full accomplishment in the days of the Messiah, when some out of every kingdom and nation should be effectually brought in to praise God, Rev 7:9. It was by Christ that God made all nations, for without him was not any thing made that was made, and therefore through Christ, and by the power of his gospel and grace, all nations shall be brought to worship before God, Isa 66:23. 3. As a being infinitely great (Psa 86:10): "Therefore all nations shall worship before thee, because as King of nations thou art great, thy sovereignty absolute and incontestable, thy majesty terrible and insupportable, thy power universal and irresistible, thy riches vast and inexhaustible, thy dominion boundless and unquestionable; and, for the proof of this, thou doest wondrous things, which all nations admire, and whence they might easily infer that thou art God alone, not only none like thee, but none besides thee." Let us always entertain great thoughts of this great God, and be filled with holy admiration of this God who doeth wonders; and let him alone have our hearts who is God alone. 4. As a being infinitely good. Man is bad, very wicked and vile (Psa 86:14); no mercy is to be expected from him; but thou, O Lord! art a God full of compassion, and gracious, Psa 86:15. This is that attribute by which he proclaims his name, and by which we are therefore to proclaim it, Exo 34:6, Exo 34:7. It is his goodness that is over all his works, and therefore should fill all our praises; and this is our comfort, in reference to the wickedness of the world we live in, that, however it be, God is good. Men are barbarous, but God is gracious; men are false, but God is faithful. God is not only compassionate, but full of compassion, and in him mercy rejoiceth against judgment. He is long-suffering towards us, though we forfeit his favour and provoke him to anger, and he is plenteous in mercy and truth, as faithful in performing as he was free in promising. 5. As a kind friend and bountiful benefactor to him. We ought to praise God as good in himself, but we do it most feelingly when we observe how good he has been to us. This therefore the psalmist dwells upon with most pleasure, Psa 86:12, Psa 86:13. He had said (Psa 86:9), All nations shall praise thee, O Lord! and glorify thy name. It is some satisfaction to a good man to think that others shall praise and glorify God, but it is his greatest care and pleasure to do it himself. "Whatever others do" (says David), "I will praise thee, O Lord my God! not only as the Lord, but as my God; and I will do it with all my heart; I will be ready to do it and cordial in it; I will do it with cheerfulness and liveliness, with a sincere regard to thy honour; for I will glorify thy name, not for a time, but for evermore. I will do it as long as I live, and hope to be doing it to eternity." With good reason does he resolve to be thus particular in praising God, because God had shown him particular favours: For great is thy mercy towards me. The fountain of mercy is inexhaustibly full; the streams of mercy are inestimably rich. When we speak of God's mercy to us, it becomes us thus to magnify it: Great is thy mercy towards me. Of the greatness of God's mercy he gives this instance, Thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell, from death, from so great a death, as St. Paul (Co2 1:10), from eternal death, so even some of the Jewish writers understand it. David knew he deserved to be cast off for ever into the lowest hell for his sin in the matter of Uriah; but Nathan assured him that the Lord had taken away his sin, and by that word he was delivered from the lowest hell, and herein God's mercy was great towards him. Even the best saints owe it, not to their own merit, but to the mercy of God, that they are saved from the lowest hell; and the consideration of that should greatly enlarge their hearts in praising the mercy of God, which they are obliged to glorify for evermore. So glorious; so gracious, a rescue from everlasting misery, justly requires the return of everlasting praise.
II. He prays earnestly for mercy and grace from God. He complains of the restless and implacable malice of his enemies against him (Psa 86:14): "Lord, be thou for me; for there are many against me." He then takes notice of their character; they were proud men that looked with disdain upon poor David. (Many are made persecutors by their pride.) They were violent men, that would carry all before them by force, right or wrong. They were terrible formidable men (so some), that did what they could to frighten all about them. He notices their number: There were assemblies of them; they were men in authority and met in councils and courts, or men for conversation, and met in clubs; but, being assembled, they were the more capable of doing mischief. He notices their enmity to him: "They rise up against me in open rebellion; they not only plot, but they put their plots in execution as far as they can; and the design is not only to depose me, but to destroy me: they seek after my life, to slay me; after my soul, to damn me, if it lay in their power." And, lastly, He notices their distance and estrangement from God, which were at the bottom of their enmity to David: "They have not set thee before them; and what good can be expected from those that have no fear of God before their eyes? Lord, appear against them, for they are thy enemies as well as mine." His petitions are,
1.For the operations of God's grace in him, Psa 86:11. He prays that God would give him, (1.) An understanding heart, that he would inform and instruct him concerning his duty: "Teach me thy way, O Lord! the way that thou hast appointed me to walk in; when I am in doubt concerning it, make it plain to me what I should do; let me hear the voice saying, This is the way," Isa 30:21. David was well taught in the things of God, and yet was sensible he needed further instruction, and many a time could not trust his own judgment: Teach me thy way; I will walk in thy truth. One would think it should be, Teach me thy truth, and I will walk in thy way; but it comes all to one; it is the way of truth that God teaches and that we must choose to walk in, Psa 119:30. Christ is the way and the truth, and we must both learn Christ and walk in him. We cannot walk in God's way and truth unless he teach us; and, if we expect he should teach us, we must resolve to be governed by his teachings, Isa 2:3. (2.) An upright heart: "Unite my heart to fear thy name. Make me sincere in religion. A hypocrite has a double heart; let mine be single and entire for God, not divided between him and the world, not straggling from him." Our hearts are apt to wander and hang loose; their powers and faculties wander after a thousand foreign things; we have therefore need of God's grace to unite them, that we may serve God with all that is within us, and all little enough to be employed in his service. "Let my heart be fixed for God, and firm and faithful to him, and fervent in serving him; that is a united heart."
2.For the tokens of God's favour to him, Psa 86:16, Psa 86:17. Three things he here prays for: - (1.) That God would speak peace and comfort to him: "O turn unto me, as to one thou lovest and hast a kind and tender concern for. My enemies turn against me, my friends turn from me; Lord, do thou turn to me and have mercy upon me; it will be a comfort to me to know that thou pitiest me." (2.) That God would work deliverance for him, and set him in safety: "Give me thy strength; put strength into me, that I may help myself, and put forth thy strength for me, that I may be saved out of the hands of those that seek my ruin." He pleads relation: "I am thy servant; I am so by birth, as the son of thy handmaid, born in thy house, and therefore thou art my rightful owner and proprietor, from whom I may expect protection. I am thine; save me." The children of godly parents, who were betimes dedicated to the Lord, may plead it with him; if they come under the discipline of his family, they are entitled to the privileges of it. (3.) That God would put a reputation on him: "Show me a token for good; make it to appear to others as well as to myself that thou art doing me good, and designing further good for me. Let me have some unquestionable illustrious instances of thy favour to me, that those who hate me may see it, and be ashamed of their enmity to me, as they will have reason to be when they perceive that thou, Lord, hast helped me and comforted me, and that therefore they have been striving against God, opposing one whom he owns, and that they have been striving in vain to ruin and vex one whom God himself has undertaken to help and comfort." The joy of the saints shall be the shame of their persecutors.
If therefore You are "true," "Look upon me, and have mercy upon me: give power unto Your servant." Because You are "true," "give power unto Your servant" [Psalm 86:16]. Let the time of patience pass away, the time of judgment come. How, "give power"? The Father judges no man, but has committed all judgment unto the Son. [John 5:22] He rising again will come even to earth Himself to judge: He will appear terrible who appeared despicable. He will show His power, who showed His patience; on the Cross was patience; in the judgment will be power. For He will appear as Man judging, but in glory: because "as you saw Him go," said the Angels, "so He will come." [Acts 1:11] His very form shall come to judgment; therefore the ungodly also shall see Him: for they shall not see the form of God. For blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. [Matthew 5:8] ...In the vision of the Father there is also the vision of the Son: and in the vision of the Son there is also the vision of the Father. Therefore He adds a consequence, and says: "Do you not know that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me?" [John 14:10] that is, both in Me seen the Father is seen, and in the Father seen the Son too is seen. The vision of the Father and the Son cannot be separated: where nature and substance is not separated, there vision cannot be separated. For that you may know that the heart ought to be made ready for that place, to see the Divinity of the Father and Son and Holy Spirit, in which though not seen we believe, and by believing cleanse the heart that there may be able to be sight: the Lord Himself says in another place, "He that has My commands and keeps them, he it is that loves Me: and he that loves Me shall be loved by My Father: and I will love him, and will manifest Myself unto him." [John 14:21] Did they not see Him, with whom He was talking? They both saw Him, and did not see Him? They saw something, they believed something: they saw Man, they believed in God. But in the Judgment they shall see the same Lord Jesus Christ as Man, together with the wicked: after the Judgment, they shall see God, apart from the wicked.
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SUMMARY
Psalm 86:16 presents a heartfelt and urgent plea from David, a profound expression of humble reliance and confident belonging within a psalm characterized by both lament and unwavering trust in God. This verse encapsulates a multifaceted petition for God's direct and compassionate attention, His empowering strength, and ultimate salvation. It underscores a deep, inherited, and lifelong relationship with the Almighty, offering a timeless model of vulnerable yet confident prayer rooted in an understanding of God's character and the supplicant's identity as His devoted servant.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalm 86:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey its earnest plea and deepen its impact. The most prominent is Parallelism, specifically a combination of Synonymous Parallelism and Intensifying Parallelism. "O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me" demonstrates synonymous parallelism, where the second phrase reiterates and deepens the meaning of the first, both expressing a desire for God's favorable attention and compassion. Similarly, the phrases "thy servant" and "the son of thine handmaid" exhibit intensifying parallelism; "son of thine handmaid" builds upon "thy servant" to convey an even deeper, more intrinsic, and inherited bond of devotion and belonging, emphasizing a lifelong, familial connection. The entire verse functions as a direct Supplication or Lament, a heartfelt address to God characterized by earnest pleading and an expression of profound dependence. The use of the vocative "O" at the beginning of the verse, along with the repeated first-person pronoun "me" and the possessive "thy," creates a strong sense of Personal Appeal and intimacy in the prayer, drawing the listener or reader into David's vulnerable yet trusting posture. The terms "servant" and "son of thine handmaid" also function as powerful Metaphors for David's identity and relationship with God, illustrating his humility, dedication, and deep-rooted belonging within God's divine household and covenant.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 86:16 profoundly articulates the theology of human dependence on divine grace and power. It portrays God as inherently merciful, attentive, and mighty, ever ready to respond to the sincere cries of His devoted ones. David's prayer is not a demand but a humble petition rooted in his understanding of God's character and his own identity as one belonging entirely to God. This verse reinforces the biblical truth that true strength and salvation originate solely from God, and that approaching Him with vulnerability and a confident sense of belonging is the pathway to receiving His divine aid. It speaks to the covenant relationship between God and His people, where His faithfulness is the bedrock upon which all petitions are laid, and His compassion is the wellspring from which His children draw.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 86:16 offers a timeless and profound model for prayer, particularly in moments of personal distress, overwhelming need, or when facing daunting challenges. It teaches us to approach God with radical honesty about our weaknesses and the limitations of our own resources, acknowledging that true strength and ultimate deliverance come not from self-reliance but from God alone. This verse encourages a posture of humble dependence, reminding us that our identity as God's beloved servants, belonging to Him by grace and covenant, is the foundation for our petitions. This confident sense of belonging empowers us to draw near to God's throne with boldness, trusting in His unfailing mercy and His readiness to empower and save those who are His. In every season of life, this verse calls believers to continually seek God's face, to lean into His empowering presence, and to rest in the assurance of His compassionate response to the cries of His children, knowing that our deepest security is found in His unwavering care.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "son of thine handmaid" mean for believers today?
Answer: For believers today, the phrase "son of thine handmaid" (or "daughter of thine handmaid") is a powerful metaphor for our spiritual identity and belonging within God's family. It signifies a deep, inherited, and lifelong dedication to God, not through physical birth into a household of servitude, but through spiritual birth and adoption into God's family through Christ. Just as a child born to a handmaid in ancient times belonged inherently to the master's household, so too through Christ, believers are born into God's spiritual household, becoming His children and lifelong servants. It speaks to our utter dependence on God, our humble devotion, and the security of our belonging to Him from the moment of our spiritual new birth, as described in John 1:12.
How does God "turn unto" us in a practical sense?
Answer: God "turns unto" us by actively engaging with our lives, demonstrating His presence, favor, and compassion. Practically, this can manifest in various ways: through His Holy Spirit's comfort and guidance, through His Word providing wisdom and direction, through providential circumstances that demonstrate His care, through the support and prayers of the Christian community, and through direct answers to prayer. It signifies God's personal and attentive involvement in our struggles and needs, confirming that He is not distant but intimately concerned with His children, as promised in Psalm 34:15 and 1 Peter 5:7.
Is it acceptable to ask God for strength when I feel weak, or should I just try harder?
Answer: Absolutely, it is not only acceptable but biblically encouraged to ask God for strength when you feel weak. Psalm 86:16 provides a clear biblical precedent for this very plea. The Bible consistently teaches that human strength is limited, and true, enduring power comes from God alone. Acknowledging our weakness and humbly asking God for His strength is an act of faith and dependence, which God honors. It aligns with the principle found in 2 Corinthians 12:9, where God's power is made perfect in weakness. Trying harder in our own strength often leads to burnout, frustration, and a sense of isolation; relying on God's strength leads to His sustaining grace, enabling us to accomplish His will and endure trials with divine fortitude.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 86:16, a deeply personal plea from David, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. David's identity as "thy servant" and "the son of thine handmaid" powerfully foreshadows Christ, the quintessential Servant of the Lord, who perfectly embodied humble obedience and complete dependence on the Father. Philippians 2:7 reveals that Jesus "made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant," fully identifying with humanity in its weakness and need. His earthly life was a continuous demonstration of seeking the Father's strength and mercy, culminating in His ultimate act of salvation on the cross. The plea "O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me" is answered in Christ, who is the very embodiment of God's mercy and grace, making it possible for all to approach the throne of grace with confidence, as encouraged in Hebrews 4:16. Furthermore, Christ, the "Son of Man," came not to be served but "to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28), perfectly fulfilling the servant identity. Through His perfect obedience and sacrificial death, He secures our salvation and grants us a new identity: no longer merely servants by birth, but adopted children of God (John 1:12), heirs with Christ, and empowered by His Spirit to live as His servants, drawing daily from His inexhaustible strength. Thus, David's ancient cry is fully realized in the person and work of Jesus, who is both the ultimate recipient of the Father's strength and the source of salvation and empowerment for all who believe.